Innovative. Winner. Spiritual. Respected. Any husband or wife would be proud to have their partner described with these words. But what if these traits apply to both?

Drs. Mary Elizabeth Hogan and Ron Modras are one of Saint Louis University’s married “super couples.” While many life partners come home from work to decide who will take out the trash or make dinner, these two encourage and inspire each other’s spiritual and professional paths.

Modras, a theological studies professor, has taught at SLU since 1979. Hogan most recently served as special assistant to the provost, after being associate dean in the College of Arts and Sciences and coordinator of special projects at the Center for Health Care Ethics.

Though Hogan and Modras have not worked directly together at the University, they share an excitement and appreciation for exploring Ignatian values. Together, the two completed campus ministry’s “Bridges” program, an eight-month program of reflection that requires, among other things, daily prayer and meditation. The program is based on the Spiritual Exercises of St. Ignatius. “We would both do it in the morning, and he’d be sitting in one room, and I’d be sitting in another room of the house. Our separate prayer together,” Hogan said with a smile.

In addition, Hogan and Modras participated in all three installments of Shared Vision, a three-part video and discussion series that explores SLU’s Jesuit identity and gives participants an opportunity to grow in their knowledge and understanding of what it means to be part of a Jesuit university.

Modras, one of the originators of Shared Vision, expanded that understanding when he wrote the often-quoted book Ignatian Humanism in 2004. A noted theologian, the professor is renowned for his expertise in Catholic-Jewish relations and his role in SLU’s Ignatian Year celebration. The classes he teachers at SLU, particularly “Jerusalem: City of Three Faiths,” fill quickly with students wanting to learn more about faith relations.

Spirituality also comes naturally to Hogan, who attended grade and high schools founded by a Jesuit. Hogan later became one of the Sisters of Saint Joseph before arriving at SLU. She pursued her doctorate in higher education here and focused her dissertation on the history of women in Jesuit higher education after being inspired by a document titled “Jesuits and the Situation of Women in Church and Civil Society” from the 34th general congregation of the Society of Jesus.

“It’s interesting when I think back and look at how my life has evolved. It’s kind of full circle with emphasis on Jesuit spirituality,” Hogan said.

That spirituality is strengthened further by their interaction with SLU students. Hogan and Modras attend many of SLU’s events, particularly theater productions.

“Saint Louis University is a very spiritual campus. It has a wonderful university culture, and we always get season tickets to the theater. We always come back enriched by what the students do,” Hogan said.

The couple also invites students in Modras’ classes to their home for meals and conversation, something the couple initiated with a Seder meal inspired by the “Jerusalem” course.

“We’ve had Muslims, Jews, Christian students sitting around the table together and appreciating a non-Christian feast, a high holy day of the Jewish calendar, and coming to our home has made a significant difference,” Hogan said. One student even told the couple, “This is what I always thought college would be like, that we’d go to professors’ houses and have conversations. Now I’m a senior, and I finally experienced it.”

Even their dog, Wolfgang, gets in on the act, making frequent appearances at SLU. “Our dog is very famous on campus,” Hogan said. “When we go away for weekends, we often have students take care of Wolfie. It’s never hard to get doggie sitters.” Modras added, “I’ve had people say, ‘Oh, I haven’t met you yet, but I think I’ve met your dog.’ He loves to come to campus. He has good times here.”

Hogan and Modras have been lauded locally and nationally by colleagues and organizations. In spring 2007, the couple took two impressive University honors: the Nancy McNeir Ring award for outstanding teaching for Modras, and a 2007 Woman of the Year award for Hogan.

“If you live long enough, all of a sudden you find yourself getting lifetime achievement awards,” Modras laughed.

The happy couple’s chapter at SLU is slowly closing, as Hogan recently retired from the University and Modras is in phased retirement. For the next few years, though, they’ll be around. In Spring 2008, the team will head to SLU’s Madrid campus, where Modras will teach theology and Hogan will teach writing.

“I think we’ve been privileged to be a couple at a Jesuit university together,” Hogan said.